ONE Championship is back. And this is your ONE: No Surrender preview.
On July 31 in Bangkok, ONE: No Surrender takes place, marking ONE’s first marquee event back in several months during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The event will showcase six bouts featuring several compelling storylines between familiar foes and young stars looking to make a mark.
Stamp Fairtex returns to mixed martial arts action as she continues her trek up the ranks as she attempts to make history by winning a world title in three separate sports. But an undefeated youngster is ready to welcome her back and steal her thunder.
Two Muay Thai titles are also on the line with star power filling the card. What does the card look like, and what can you expect?
Check out the ONE: No Surrender Preview
Here is a breakdown of ONE: No Surrender coming your way this Friday.
Panpayak Jitmuangnon vs. Superlek Kiatmoo9
The first bout of the card kickstarts the theme of familiarity between the opponents. Panpayak Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmoo9 have already competed against each other six times, but this will be the first time under the ONE banner.
“The Angel Warrior” leads the series over Superlek 4-1-1 and has won each of the outings by decision.
While it may appear that Panpayak has his number, the two have not met under these conditions before and not tangled since 2018. The contest would be a shining opportunity for Superlek to cash-in and make a strong statement for a flyweight title bid or Panpayak to turn him away once again.
Mark Fairtex Abelardo vs. Fabricio Andrade
Fabricio Andrade may only be 3-2 in mixed martial arts action, but he is 28-1 in kickboxing. He is an ever-present danger on the feet. Mark Fairtex Abelardo prefers to stand, but given Andrade’s weaknesses, may we see him take this bout to the canvas?
Those questions make this an intriguing battle. And should it remain on the feet, expect nothing but fireworks in what could be the sleeper bout of the night.
Abelardo showed how tough he was in a losing effort earlier in the year against Troy Worthen. Still, a rebound victory over a stellar striker would move him right back into the thick of the division as the summer winds down, and the ONE schedule heats up.
Stamp Fairtex vs. Sunisa Srisen
Undefeated martial artists clash in the final mixed martial arts contest of the event. Stamp Fairtex has all the glory as a two-sport World Champion, but Sunisa Srisen enters with no pressure on her and an unblemished record.
The focus is all on Stamp. After losing her ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Championship to Janet Todd, all eyes are on her to see how she responds. The 4-0 professional MMA record is almost an afterthought. How will she perform coming off a loss? That’s the major question everyone will be asking.
If Srisen can shock the world and upset the Thai star, she becomes an instant player in the division.
Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong vs. Superbon
Two striking superstars will make their ONE debuts at ONE: No Surrender, and it will be a trilogy bout to settle the score.
Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong and Superbon met twice in 2016. Sitthichai got his arm raised by knockout in the first meeting, but later that year, Superbon edged him on the scorecards. Fast-forward four years, the athletes are two of the most well-regarded in the featherweight division. A victory in Bangkok could quickly catapult them directly into a title shot.
The potential of this bout being a title-eliminator only adds to its prestige. Debuting stars, instant contenders, and a 1-1 series ready to be tipped in favor of the victor. There is little more one could ask for in this match.
Expect a kickboxing masterclass in one of the featured bouts of the evening.
ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship: Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy vs. Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex
“The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex is a legend in the sport, but he has had a rough go of it as of late. However, he is still the #5-ranked contender in the division and circumstances of the global pandemic gifted him an opportunity to challenge for the gold.
With his heavy hands, anything is possible. A victory would only add to an incredible legacy. However, on the other side will be the champion, Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy.
The champion will be looking to cement his status as the king of the division with his first defense of the gold while knocking off a legend. This is a bout that will help build his own legacy.
Can “The Boxing Computer” find the mark and reclaim glory, or will the torch be passed?
ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship: Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Petchdam Petchyindee Academy
The night’s theme will be unfinished business, and the main event caps it off with a trilogy bout for the ages. Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon has established himself as a dominant champion, but Petchdam “The Baby Shark” Petchyindee Academy has the confidence in knowing he has already defeated him before.
We may already think of these two as veterans given their ages (23 for Rodtang, 22 for Petchdam), but they are still growing, learning, developing into better athletes by the day. That kind of development makes each fight intriguing to see how they progress and puts a cloud of uncertainty over the outcome.
They met once in 2017 and once in 2018. Petchdam took the first, Rodtang the second. Two years later, they meet on the global stage of ONE with a World Championship up for grabs.
This is a stellar main event that will help shape the division for years to come. Which Thai star will pick up the victory in ONE’s first event back?
